Ever wondered why Monday is called Monday or how Wednesday got its name? The names of the days of the week in English have fascinating origins, rooted in ancient history and steeped in mythology. Understanding these origins not only enriches our language ability but also provides intriguing insights into cultural heritage.
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The concept of a seven-day week has ancient origins, tracing back to the Babylonians around 1500 BCE. The Babylonians, keen astronomers, divided their lunar cycle into four weeks of seven days each, aligning with the phases of the moon. This practice was later adopted by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who found the seven-day cycle practical and meaningful.
The ancient Hebrews' influence also played a crucial role in establishing the seven-day week. According to the biblical account of creation, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, establishing a divine precedent for a seven-day cycle. This tradition was deeply ingrained in Hebrew culture and religious practices.
By the 1st century CE, the Romans had formalized the seven-day week, integrating it into their calendar system. This structure, combining astronomical observations and religious traditions, eventually spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, becoming the foundation of the modern seven-day week we use today.
In the Arabic and Hebrew calendars, the day begins at sunset, which contrasts with the Swahili concept of the day starting at sunrise and the Western world, where the day starts at midnight. This highlights the cultural influences on how days are numbered and identified within these different calendrical systems.
Monday is named after the Moon. The Old English word for Monday was Monandæg, which translates to "Moon's day". This naming convention is quite common across various languages; for instance, in Latin, it's dies Lunae, also meaning "day of the Moon".
Tuesday is named after the Norse god Tiw (also known as Tyr), a god of war and sky. The Old English term Tiwesdæg directly reflects this association. The connection to Mars, the Roman god of war, can also be seen in other languages, such as French (mardi).
Wednesday is named after Odin (or Woden), the chief god in Norse mythology. The Old English Wodnesdæg translates to "Woden's day". This day is associated with Mercury in Roman mythology, which is why it's called miércoles in Spanish and mercredi in French.
Thursday is named in honor of Thor, the Norse god of thunder. The term 'Thor's day' serves as the etymological basis for Thursday. In Old English, it was Þūnresdæg (Thunor’s day). The link to Jupiter, the Roman king of gods and god of thunder, explains the name jeudi in French and jueves in Spanish.
Friday is named after Frigg (also known as Frigga or Freya), the Norse goddess associated with love and beauty. The Old English term Frigedæg means "Frigg's day". In Roman mythology, this day is linked to Venus, the goddess of love, which is reflected in names like viernes in Spanish and vendredi in French.
Saturday is unique among the English day names as it retains its Roman origin, specifically named after the Roman god Saturn, the Roman god of wealth and time. The Old English Sæternesdæg directly references this deity. Interestingly, in other Germanic languages, the name often refers to the Sabbath, such as Samstag in German.
Sunday is named after the Sun. Icelandic uniquely retains 'only the Sun' as the name for Sunday, rejecting names derived from pagan gods. The Old English Sunnandæg translates to “Sun’s day”, reflecting its importance and reverence in various cultures. This name is consistent across many languages, highlighting the widespread significance of the Sun.
Understanding the etymology of day names helps language learners grasp the historical context and deepens their appreciation of English. These names are more than just labels for days; they are windows into ancient beliefs, cultures and linguistic evolution. The influence of Greek and Latin names on the naming of the days of the week during the Greco-Roman tradition is particularly notable, as the classical planets from Hellenistic astrology played a significant role in this process.
Exploring the origins of the day names in English reveals a blend of mythology, history and language evolution. From the Moon to Norse gods to Roman deities, each name tells a story of cultural significance.
Read our blog posts 'Fantasy, the English language and Tolkien'.
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that educators who lead with heart, ingenuity and resilience help students thrive. Your creativity drove the momentum. Your learners set the direction. Our role at Pearson was to support your journey with tools that save time, create impact and open more opportunities for your students.
Here’s your Educator Wrapped for 2025.
In international education, admissions are just the beginning. While securing a place at a university is a massive milestone for a student, measuring success continues for them from the moment they arrive on campus. Institutions know that academic performance, engagement and retention are shaped long before the first lecture begins, and one of those critical factors is English language proficiency.
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Universities have long understood the connection between language readiness and academic outcomes. When students are placed correctly, they are more likely to thrive. Misplacement, on the other hand, can lead to frustration, disengagement and even dropout.
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Across classrooms, holidays show up as stories, songs, recipes, colors and customs. For English educators, they also offer language tasks that build communication, intercultural understanding and community. The key is to celebrate in a way that’s inclusive, academically rich, and respectful of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Here are some activities you can do this festive season with minimal fluff and maximum impact, each tied to clear language objectives.
